REC hits back at UCATT attack on employment agencies

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has hit back at an attack from UCATT, the construction union, on the tax affairs of employment agencies.

Commenting on the matter, Anne Fairweather, Head of Public Policy, said:

"It is quite untrue to allege that the REC disregards employment status rules. The REC expects all of its members to abide by the law and pay the correct taxes to the Exchequer. If UCATT or any workers are concerned about the actions of REC members, they should complain through our complaints procedures."

On the matter of tackling false self employment in construction, Anne Fairweather continues:

"Many workers in construction are legitimately self-employed, carrying out their trade. Employment agencies offer them a route to find work. The Treasury and HMRC have indicated that they are considering a different basis for determining tax status in construction.

The REC has expressed concerns about whether the proposed deeming tests would work, and also fear that they could result in some genuinely self employed workers being caught within employed taxation levels. The REC will continue to engage with the Treasury and HMRC on their proposals to ensure that flexible resourcing is maintained in construction."